Ampelous geraniums, ivy, sometimes called ivy: care for the plant at home and outdoors, photos of different varieties of these flowers

Ampel geranium is one of the most popular plants among flower growers, since you do not need to spend a lot of time and energy to grow it. And the aroma present in the flower will not leave anyone indifferent.

Next, you will learn about the history of the origin of this variety, see in the photo various varieties of this plant. Also find out the features of planting and caring for Ampel geraniums.

We will tell you which soil is best to choose, how to put the lighting, and which pests can be dangerous for your pet. In conclusion, we present interesting facts about this flower.

A bit of history, botanical characteristics

The ivy variety was introduced from Africa at the end of the 17th century.. He received his recognition due to the specific smell, curly shape and decorativeness. Cascading stems reaching a length of 70-100 cm - a magnificent decoration of vertical structures.

reference. During the flowering period, the bush is covered with umbrella constellations with the tip of a rather large diameter. Each individual umbrella has up to 50 flowers on long shoots.

The color strikes with a variety of shades. Rigid foliage covers the vine with an emerald carpet.

Appearance

Fans of flora will certainly opt for an unpretentious and very colorful flower that park landscape designers call hanging gardens. In nature, it is a perennial shrub that cascades over hilly slopes.

This geranium is often called ivy.. Most likely confused, because of the consonant name.

Unusual inflorescences in color distinguish ampel geranium from existing analogues. The riot of notes - pink, snow-white, blue, lilac, raspberry, bewitch. During flowering, it turns into a bright, fragrant pompom.

Popular varieties and photos of pine pelargonium

It is very difficult to choose one variety from their huge quantity. Often you want to have everything at once. But since it is impossible, you should familiarize yourself with the existing varieties of ampelous geraniums and choose the most suitable one for yourself. Next, you will read about the varieties and see them in the photo.

"Amethyst" (Amethyst)

Spectacular and popular in home floriculture variety. The difference is the rapid development and fairly voluminous branching. Large baskets of the color of delicate May roses will undoubtedly become a decoration of the infield. Pelargonium is placed in flowerpots on the street and brought into the room before winter cold.

"Dacora Pink" (rosebud)

Interesting in variegated, light green leaves, similar to plates. Even during the rest period, the flower is quite attractive. Small lights fascinate with its delicate color. The petals tapering to the base of the stem form a charming bud. The surface is strewn with sharply defined red veins.

Learn about the features of caring for geranium rosebud at home, as well as see photos of varieties here.

"Ise Rose" (Ice Rose)

The name speaks for itself. Like two drops of water, they look like small bush roses. The riot of flowers is fascinating. Unopened white flowers with a greenish glow, illuminated by the sun's rays, turn into amazing lilac.

"Marble Sunset" (Marble Sunset)

Small bush. Decorative, pistachio-colored leaves, covered with specks of different configurations. Having planted it in an open area, you will admire the juicy bronze and golden tint of foliage, with terry, inflorescences in lilac and pink colors. Among the disadvantages of breeding there is an excessive whimsical plant.

"Rouletta" (Rowletta)

Ampelian geranium, which strikes with abundant snow-white bloom, with raspberry border. Allows the use of this variety for batch planting. This variety is usually planted in large pots. In this way create an unusual atmosphere in the interior of the room.

"Tornado Fuchsia" (Tornado)

Luxurious, branched voluminous, with a saturated green crown, shrub. The uniqueness of the variety lies in the unusual shape of the petals, similar to the wings of a butterfly. The color resembles fuchsia. Look great in various compositions of green spaces.

You can name thousands more varieties of this unique plant. There is always a choice.

Features of planting and care at home and outdoors

Ampel geraniums are planted using seeds and using the following technology:

Planting seeds must be done in pots or peat tablets of large sizes. Seeds should not be deeply buried, maximum depth is 5 mm.
Sowing should be covered with a film and moved to a greenhouse.

In order for the cultivation of ampelous or ivy geranium to be successful, the following rules must be considered:

the plant prefers sunny, illuminated places, but gets along well in shaded areas;
thermophilic plant, however, light frosts will not affect its vital activity;
summer watering differs from winter: in the heat - plentiful, in the cold - moderate;
ampelous geranium grows exclusively on fertile soils;
mandatory fresh air and low humidity;
fertilizers must be applied in spring and summer;
wilted flowers must be removed.

About how home care requires ivy geraniums for spectacular flowering, read here, and from this article you will learn about the reproduction of this flower.

The soil

For ampelous geraniums, light soil is able to pass air and water. At this point in time, the necessary soil can be bought at any flower shop. To prepare the soil yourself, you need to make a little effort.

The manufactured composition contains sheet and turf soil, river sand, peat and humus, most importantly, to comply with the proportions. Components must be in equal shares. Choose a small pot for the plant so that the distance between the walls and the roots of the flower does not exceed two centimeters.

Place a drainage layer at the bottom. You can use expanded clay or brick chips. This is a kind of protection against excess moisture. Potassium fertilizers are used for feeding, the procedure is repeated every ten days and only in the spring-summer period. Abundant watering can harm the root system, and the whole flower. It tolerates short-term drought with ease.

Spraying is strictly contraindicated. Droplets on the leaves can cause the disease. A plant with a lush crown is better to be watered from a pallet, and not from above, so that water does not get on it. Pour excess moisture.

Lighting

He loves light very much, but does not withstand direct sunlight. They require protection against drafts. They are afraid of cold gusts of wind.

Tip. Before planting in the ground, engage in hardening of the plant, periodically exposing it from the room to the balcony.

During the winter, take care of the bright light, it is better if it is scattered. Observe the watering regime - once every two weeks at a temperature of 5-12 degrees.

Diseases and Pests

Among the most common pests and diseases of ampelous geraniums, there are:

Flower mold. A flower halo, consisting of many inflorescences, is prone to damage by gray mold. More often this happens in cool weather. Do not allow the disease to spread to the stem, remove wilted flowers in time. This will prevent the appearance of rot and death of the plant.
Edema. This disease mainly affects flowers in greenhouses. Symptoms - on deformed leaves, small growths appear on their underside. A painful condition occurs after excessive watering and with increased humidity in the room. It is necessary to monitor ventilation and balance irrigation.
Fungal and bacterial infections affect the foliage, pay attention to the spots. The causes and methods for their elimination are the same as with edema.
Rust - A serious and frequent illness. Developing brownish-yellow acne affects the underside of the leaf. As a result, leaf fall, a decrease in the number of flowers and shoots, can occur. Infected areas need to be destroyed, the plant itself is treated with a fungicide.
Curly leaf virus. Pale yellowish spots appear on the leaves, as a result of which the latter become curly. Overwintered plants suffer from this. The signs are more intense in dry, hot weather. The carrier is a microbe that spreads in the soil used for transplantation. Eliminate damaged plants.
"Blackleg" so called because the blackening of the stem begins from its beginning and spreads upward. Drying and death of the flower occurs. Disinfect containers and sterilize prepared soil. Cuttings of healthy plants before planting need to be immersed in a fungicide. Watch out for room ventilation.
Snails and slugs, eating young leaves and stems, leave the so-called trace of mucus. Around the pots and seedlings locations, create obstructive paths from gravel or eggshells, and scatter special granules.
Caterpillars. To attach to the spine of the leaf, entangle the tops of the shoots with their silk threads. After cleansing from these pests, you can pollinate the plant with a special solution.

Interesting Facts

Studying the history of ampel geranium, the following interesting facts are distinguished:

George Tradescan, an English breeder, affectionately called each new brainchild a butterfly (remember the Tornado variety). The peak of skill was the royal geranium, cured the king of insomnia.
The legend of the dead crane is touching. A snow cover covered a lifeless, frozen body. Amazing flowers, reflecting the heavenly blue, grew out of a rolling teardrop in spring. The crane was yearning for it. This flower is called ampelous geranium.
Eastern history tells of a case that occurred with the prophet Mohammed. Being a weed, a bush of field geranium with its branches helped the seer dry his clothes and he, in gratitude, showered him with magnificent flowers.

The favorite of the people is a home healer and a defender against quarrels, grievances and contentions. An example is the legend of a German shoemaker who, instead of catching up from his wife, found peace in the family after giving her this wonderful flower.